Nelumbo nucifera Seeds | Sacred Lotus
LATIN NAME: Nelumbo nucifera
COMMON NAME: Sacred Lotus, Indian Lotus, Pink Lotus
Plant Profile
Among the ornamental and useful plants raised from seed, Sacred Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) stands out as a perennial in the lotus family, native to warm regions of Asia. Sacred lotus is one of the most beautiful and most storied of the water plants, and its great, fragrant flowers and its noble, round leaves have been revered across Asia for thousands of years. Bees find the flowers quickly, and that pollinator traffic is a garden benefit in its own right. The ratio of effort to reward here is about as good as gardening gets.
Science & Biotechnology
Within the lotus family, Nelumbo nucifera is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Sacred lotus has a genuine and distinguished place in both nutritional and botanical research. Modern propagation practice has made this species straightforward to raise by ordinary good methods.
Uses & Benefits
Beyond its ornamental appeal, Sacred Lotus has the practical versatility that makes a plant worth growing from seed year after year. Ecologically, sacred lotus is a generous plant of warm waters. Its great flowers feed bees and birds, its round leaves give shade and shelter to life of pond, and it is a noble presence on lakes and ponds of Asia. For a grower, sacred lotus is a rewarding water plant, and for a gardener with a warm, sunny pond it brings great fragrant flowers and noble leaves. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
The sacred lotus is medicinal from root to seed: lotus leaf tea is a famous cooling, weight-conscious infusion, the seeds, Lian Zi, calm the spirit, the plumule, Lian Xin, clears heart heat, and the rhizome is a crisp vitamin-rich vegetable.
Growing from Seed
Starting Sacred Lotus from seed is simple and satisfying. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Pot the young plants on as they grow, harden them off gradually, and plant them into their final positions when sturdy.
Our Take
Being a perennial, it asks for a permanent spot and repays it yearly. Plant it in sun with drainage to its liking and the rest is easy.
Related Reading
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